To evaluate the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) process for identifying and reporting costs incurred to administer economic recovery payments (ERP) authorized as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Background

ARRA was signed into law on February 17, 2009. It provides for a one-time ERP of $250 to certain adult Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients. To accomplish these tasks, ARRA provided SSA with $90 million for administrative expenses incurred.

SSA implemented a comprehensive process to identify and report costs incurred to administer the ERPs. We believe SSA sufficiently addressed OMB’s requirements, which will allow for transparency and accountability of the use of ARRA administrative funds and will provide SSA the ability to identify and track these expenditures separately from their regular appropriations. SSA also timely submitted required weekly reports summarizing administrative costs incurred.

Matters for Consideration

SSA should continue its current efforts to centralize ARRA-related guidance to ensure consistent communication to internal stakeholders. SSA should also consider providing periodic updates and reminders to staff to ensure staff time and costs are properly reported during the $90 million appropriation life-cycle.